Managing the Vyvanse Crash

What is Vyvanse?
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, brand name Vyvanse, is a stimulant often prescribed to individuals with ADHD. It has also recently been approved by the FDA to treat binge-eating disorder in adults. Vyvanse typically works through it's interaction with the central nervous system. Vyvanse enhances the function of certain neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a critical role in brain function, as well as mood and activity level. Individuals who have ADHD may benefit from Vyvanse, as it stimulates efficient nerve signals and relieves symptoms.

As far as dosage is concerned, Vyvanse is a single capsule ingested each morning, with or without food. It is taken in an inactive form, and as you digest it, Vyvanse is slowly converted into it's active form, ready to be used by the body. The effect of this is a relatively longer time active in the body- up to fourteen hours. It's effects are generally noticeable within the first few days to the first few weeks of taking the drug.

The Crash
Because Vyvyanse is such a long acting drug, it is taken once daily. It is important to take Vyvanse at the same time every day, most likely in the mornings. Taking Vyvanse later in the day can cause trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

As with many stimulant medications, patients start out on the lowest dosage possible, and work with their doctor to increase the dosage from there. This ensures the patient is taking the lowest dosage possible to alleviate their symptoms, and helps to keep side effects to a minimum. Once your dosage is set, it is important to stay on shedule with your medication. Should you forget to take your medication, you may experience a slight "crash" later in the day as the medication begins to wear off. This may also happen if your dosage is too low. Symptoms of the crash are anxiousness, fatigue, and irritability. You may also find you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. If you are regularly feeling this afternoon to evening crash, talk to your doctor. You may need to increase your dosage until the symptoms improve. You may become intolerant to the effects of your prescription overtime. It is important to check in with your doctor over time and report any side effects you may have, as they may be a sign you need to increase your dosage.

Withdrawal

Vyvanse is listed as a schedule II controlled drug. This means it has a high likelihood of being abused, and it's use should be carefully monitored. Amphetamines, like those found in Vyvanse, can produce temporary feelings of euphoria if taken in large doses. This is due mainly to the surge of dopamine which enters your brain as a reaction to the chemical. Unfortunately, this can lead to abuse and dependence on the drug. Symptoms of dependance include restlessness or insomnia,hyperactivity, loss of appetite, tremors, abdominal pain, vomiting, sweating, flushed skin, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Signs of dependance are most noted in those taking too high a dose of Vyvanse over a period of time. Typically, these signs are present in people who are abusing Vyvanse or taking someone else's prescription.

Even those taking Vyvanse as directed over a period of time may experience a withdrawal if they stop taking their medication suddenly. Symptoms of withdrawal include anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia, sweating profusely, and shakiness. Should you decide to stop taking vyvanse, talk to your doctor. They may help by prescribing a reduction in your dosage, so that you may slowly taper off the medication. This helps to avoid withdrawal symptoms, or at least lessen them.

Making lifestyle changes can also help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Eating a diet rich in nutrients and minerals can help you feel great. A little exercise every day can make falling asleep at night much easier, in addition to having a "wind down period" before bedtime. This wind down time may be as simple as having a cup of calming tea a half hour before bed and taking a few long, deep breaths. Make sure to keep your body's rhythms consistent by going to bed at the same time each day. Following a healthy plan can help you to minimize the sypmtoms of the Vyvanse crash, or avoid them altogether.

Brian values the ability of all ages to learn from the power of stories. His mission is to write about health conditions, educational topics, and life situations in an entertaining way in order to help children understand their own health conditions and daily circumstances. See more at healthstoriesforkids.com

Brian Wu graduated with a Bachelor's Science Degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. Currently, he holds a Ph.D. and is an MD Candidate (KSOM, USC) in integrative biology and disease.